Magic Johnson became a co-owner of the Washington Commanders after purchasing a 4% stake in the $6.05 billion NFL franchise. Already a part-owner of the MLB team – LA Dodgers, the new acquisition prompted an interesting question on the ‘Dan Patrick Show’. The host asked him to choose between the Commandeers, the Dodgers, and the Lakers. Interestingly, despite owning a stake in the other two teams, he selected the Los Angeles Lakers.
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In July, Washington Commanders got a new group of owners, which included 5-time NBA champion Magic Johnson. The NBA superstar mentioned the purchase to be the biggest thing he has ever done in his life. He also briefly talked about the past troubles of the team, which included investigations into improper workplace conduct. Johnson wants to ensure a safe working environment under his ownership.
Magic Johnson chooses the Lakers over his other co-owned franchises
Magic Johnson recently appeared as a guest on the ‘Dan Patrick Show’ and was put in a dilemma by the host. He was asked to choose between two teams that he has part ownership in and the franchise he spent his entire career as a player with. The NBA player decided to go with the franchise he enjoyed success with and is beloved amongst its fans. Here is what he said:
“Oh my goodness! The Commanders are still new. You know I love my Dodgers. I love baseball. But I am a Laker guy. I played basketball. So if I am ever put in a position where I can choose one, I am gonna choose watching basketball – my Lakers. Then 1(a) is my Lakers, 1(b) would be my Dodgers and then 1(c) because I just got the Commanders. But they will be coming on strong here as soon as we have a chance to build them.”
Magic is one of the few players to be loyal to a franchise his entire career. He played 13 seasons in the NBA and donned the purple and gold colors in each of them. The love affair between Magic and the Los Angeles franchise is mutual. He won five championships with the team, and the team responded by honoring him with a statue outside the Crypto.com arena.
The purchase of the Commanders became the fourth sports franchise for the NBA superstar. The other major ownership is a 2.3% stake in the Dodgers of the MLB. Apart from the above, Magic also owns an undisclosed stake in the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA and the Los Angeles Football Club of the MLS.
Magic sold his ownership in the Los Angeles Lakers
Apart from being associated with the Los Angeles Lakers as a player and the front office, Magic Johnson also owned a 4.5% stake in the franchise. However, in 2010, he decided to sell his stake for an undisclosed amount. According to reports, the deal could have been worth more than 30 million dollars.
Magic had invested $10 million in the franchise in 1994 and earned a hefty profit on his investment. He would use the money to further invest in the Dodgers by joining the Guggenheim Baseball Management group. Since then, it has only been upwards and onwards for the legend.
